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JcP · 09-27-2009, 04:29 PM

I agree something has to change. I just don't see the validity in allowing people the right to do whatever they want regardless of the effect on the rest of us.
I am not a legal scholar and do not know the intricacies of the permit law(s), but I do see the problem in allowing anyone to protest anywhere at any time.
people protesting the "color pink" as a previous frivolous example in this thread, holding up the entire city of NY by blocking traffic, to me, is contrary to the purpose of protest.

The definition of protest is "To object to, especially in a formal statement." I am not sure if this "right" is being infinged upon in any way by limiting where people can physically manifest themselves. Protest is not synonymous with marching or gathering.
The other part of the 1st amendment (peacefully assemble), however, does deal with this action. And you can make a case for the belief that this right IS being infringed upon by permit laws... I just disagree with the extent to which the term "peacefully" can be applied. "peace" and preventing the use of public land, to me, are at odds with one another. And, therefore, I see nothing wrong with requiring physical protests on PUBLIC land to have to get permits from the state/city/federal government.

Anyway, in conclusion, I agree with you things have to change...I just think they have to change on both sides. Protesters need to distance themselves from violence and crying "police state" when the police enforce the law to ensure domestic tranquility, and the police need to find a way to stop treating everyone as if they are about to riot, even if SOME of the members of a group are indeed doing so...in essence, to stop profiling.
Perhaps that's the compromise and non-arrogant solution to this debate I (according to zerodown) should be unable to agree to, lol.